Real Change

"The Thought Spigot" http://www.thethoughtspigot.com/Home_Page.html

Before there were countries, there were people, and all people are the same. They may be changed through the choices they make, in life, but all people are born the same, as pure souls and babies. However, the United States of America was founded on freedom, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. The experiment called the United States, over the years, choices, different leaders, and people, has produced a nation of dichotomy. A duality, throughout the whole country, in all choices, traditions, and opinions. Mistakes have been made, through the years, but there have been remarkable and unconditional successes, as well. Slavery, the killing and processing of the Indian population and lands (for government and personal gain), and the internment camps of Japanese during World War II are all huge examples, of blatant abuse of power and heinous judgment. Obviously, there is are excuses for the scars on American people and psyches. Poor decision making, corrupt people and leaders, and the scars left behind are hard to forget, world wide. However, for every wrong choice and atrocity, by leaders and other people, there is another side to the experiment of America. Freedom of religion, freedom of speech, and countless other rights and amazing things, Americans take for granted everyday, have all been attained by the experiment. When looking at the "experiment called America," the good far outweighs the bad, in just about all cases. However, there is still multitudes of things, both common and irregular, to be remedied in the US (and world wide). Change only comes through every person, what lens they choose to look at the world with, and an attitude of not hating people, but the actions of people.

It does not take very knowledgeable person, to look into the past and cast dispersions on people and choices. There is no person, beyond judgment, as there is not anyone who is perfect. If a person has no religious faith, or belief system, this is still a fact. There seems to also be a huge double standard, on who is to be persecuted and by whom. When Bill Maher says, "Catholicism is a child abusing, religious cult. It's leader also has a compound, and this guy not only operates outside the bounds of the law, but he used to be a Nazi and wears funny hats. We're here, we're queer, get used to it. (He went on, comparing the FLDS Cult bust in Texas, to the Catholic Church) But, really, what tripped up the “little cult on the prairie” was that they only abused hundreds of kids, not thousands all over the world. Cults get raided. Religions get parades. How does the Catholic Church get away with all of their buggery?" It is amazing how a person can look for laughs, at something like this. Regardless, there is a startling problem with this kind of pervasive thinking, in America. Obviously, the FLDS situation, in Texas, is a compounding of "religious perversion" (no matter how you look at it, based on twelve to sixteen year old girls being impregnated, women married off at the same ages, and men, boys, girls, women without any rights. This due to a small group of men, regulating, perverting and mandating rights). The Catholic Church has had a large problem, in the form of abuse, the sex scandal and overall priest misconduct. Not to minimize any of the things which happened in the Catholic Church, in any way, but the Catholic faith has many positive and devout people, throughout the world, with all kinds of positives. Comparing the Catholic faith, with the FLDS cults (in the US), is a ridiculous and biased point of view. There will never be any change with this kind of thinking.

American history is a very undisciplined topic. The history and choices, viewed from the lens of one person may form opinions, traditions, and set in motion lifestyles for years to come, for countless people. Yet, the same past and choices, viewed from another's position, may set in motion a completely different outcome. America's history is tangled and intertwined, with the best and worst of people and choices. Until, people start looking at others (as equals), taking a step outside themselves (gaining perspective of other's point of view), and invest time into the choices (a "walking a mile in their shoes" approach), that actual change for the multitude will be possible. All people should be accountable for their actions, the words they say, and most of all to understand all people are the same and equal. The main offenders, hide behind freedom of speech, and are the people who have the most money, influence, and power. The media continues to give free passes, as they sometimes participate and generally share the same views, with these people. There are virtually no whistle blowers and people who want to make a positive change, thru a sense of empathy.

The Bottom Line: Most people do not believe in change for the overall betterment of society, or else they are feeding and becoming more powerful, with the way they abuse and manipulate society. I do not feel believing in a world where empathy (viewing the world thru where another person stands, feels, believes), making choices for the common good, and a general understanding that all people are equal and are the same. Actions and choices make people different, over time. Yet, everyone is born the same. There may be disadvantage, a different environment, in a person's life, but ultimately every person is the same. People who have had abusive parents, constant hurdles and other's lived in poverty, but they went on to become great leaders, changing the world in enormous ways. However, change is something, only achieved, when made thru conscious choice. Whether a person is religious, atheist, or agnostic, there is a simple saying, in order to create change for a common good: "Hate the sin, not the sinner." An all inclusive statement/quote, but if followed and coupled with a general yearning, in the hearts and minds of all people, with conscious decision of change, then all things are possible.

"The Thought Spigot" http://www.thethoughtspigot.com/Home_Page.html
"Politics & Things Not Spoken" http://www.cmcno22.blogspot.com/
"Fantasy Sports & Sports Blog" http://www.sportsandfantasysports.blogspot.com/

FOCUS ON THE COUNTRY, NOT THE LIES

Really it doesn't matter whether you like Obama and/or Hillary Clinton; they both have so many holes in their "stories, stump speeches, and random podium things (where the press wasn't supposed to be there), " neither are good with character, ethics/morality, and the "truth." Some say the truth is relative, but there is a white lie, relative truth, then there is flat out lying. Like Al Gore saying he, "invented the Internet" and countless other things he lied about, leaving the door open for Bush. POLITICIANS LIE!!!!!! POLITICIANS ARE BASICALLY UNETHICAL (being nice with the basically)!!!!! POLITICIANS ARE NOT A BEACON OF LIGHT, sent to help the United States and most of all REPRESENT THE PEOPLE, SOLELY, ANYMORE!!!!

I have posted in other threads about Barack’s fast rise thru a tough Chicago political scene and how he did it, from college (dealing and befriending left/socialist/marxist professors), to his work out of college (colluding with Tony Rezco, who is now up on Federal charges, 8 I believe, counting purgery, tax code, and fraudulent things concerning urban people/housing/H.U.D. properties), to his social life and getting street cred. (going into the United Church of Christ and pairing with the powerful Rev. Wright), and finally to his "Friendly relationship" with Bill Ayers (who tried to blow up 11 government buildings and is completely unrepentant about it). On a "young note, " when was it cool for Presidential candidates to do drugs, either? Just because you admit it, and said it was a mistake, still goes back to judgment and character, in which Obama has none. As anyone can see, when the cameras are turned off and he bashes "Mid-America, Fly Over country, and small town people" for his elitist friends, in San Francisco (last week).

Hillary has so many lies on her resume, coupled with her husband and Al Gore, it is no wonder why 40% of the country would NEVER VOTE FOR HER. She is so polarizing, it isn't even funny. She couldn't even pull off a joke, for April Fools' Day (making it funny), on the Barack and her having a "Bowl Off for the Presidency" (after Obama bowled a "37"). She has no personality, credibility, character, and only cares about personal gain. Just ask her, why she didn't give the country her tax returns (LIKE SHE SAID SHE WOULD), for this past year, when this past year is the most important year (to see where she is getting and Bill is getting their monies). Between her and Bill's dealings and business "overseas," being a complete socialist when it comes to the majority of issues, and also being an insider to "The Hill" and all it offers, what do you expect from her? It isn’t ethics, morality, and the truth, I promise you that.

McCain, is the closest thing to truth, on the ticket (ticket being, that has a chance of winning, not Libertarians, Green, or any other parties). However, McCain has his faults, as well. POLITICS AND LYING GO HAND IN HAND. YOU HAVE TO DITCH YOUR ETHICS, MOST MORALITY, AND THE TRUTH (in the general sense of truth), WHEN YOU DECIDE TO RUN FOR OFFICE.

So, get off of finding someone honest, and look at where these people stand on issues that matter. However, how can you focus on that, when you can’t trust them to follow thru, on where they stand on those issues too.

The whole government, needs an overhaul. It serves no purpose blathering on about who lied about what, when they have all lied about something, whether you know it or not. Here is a quote I heard, "If you are not paranoid (about the govt.), you are stupid/a moron. If you are little paranoid, it isn’t enough. If people say you are "to paranoid," you are probably in the ball park of being right." NOT INSIDE JOB ON 9-11 PARANOID, but overall not trusting the govt. for being with/for the people, paranoid.

Peace from,

MIKE D. === TheThoughtSpigot.com

TO BOYCOTT, OR NOT BOYCOTT, THE CHINA OLYMPICS

There are more than a few people with the perception and opinion of; "I am not distancing myself from the world's problems or ignore the plight of Tibet and it's people. I like sports and I love the Olympics. Therefore, simply saying that this is purely about sports, not politics, so we shouldn't make it about politics."

This is one of the most non-thought out/backwards views, people could take. Wanting to enjoy a "Sporting Event" and not see politics, is understandable. However, when the politics are, some of the most heinous, on record, not just about "Monks/Tibetans," but also about: Taiwan's fight with China's rule over them in trade, politics, and overall living, Christians being thrown to the lions/in jail (almost like "Daniel Days"). Plus, countless of things and maybe backlashes, China's buying of almost all natural resources possible (worldwide), polluting the earth in ways the US could only hope to (joke), the fact that the COMMUNIST CHINA REGIME could tank the US dollar and economy, sides with RUSSIA blocking all UN substantial stuff, and is the biggest problem (even over middle east countries) in the future of America, over the next 20 years.

The athletes do not have to boycott and should not boycott the games, but they could where arm bands, "Maroon athletic jump suits & Uniforms" with RED, WHITE, & BLUE stripes down the side, or countless statements to the press after each win. HOWEVER, President Bush, even though he will be "talking to the Chinese under the table, in private," but there isn't any amount of talking that will achieve anything, with China. Which the rest of the world, seems to understand. France, Italy, Germany, England, Several African Nations, and other EU Nations are not sending their leaders/Presidents/Ministers, to the opening ceremonies, so Bush should not go either.

Whether anyone has seen, the Black Panther Fists on the podium, the boycott in ’80, or any other past Olympic political thing. Remember this, in 1972, Palestinians bombed and killed 11 Israeli Olympians (actually, just 200 yards away from Bruce Jenner, the USA Gold Medal Hero). Is that a big enough political statement? When is enough, enough? When does the American community and government stand up for the righteous? When does sports, idols, and other non-sequators take a back seat, to doing the right thing? We used to be, "The land of the free, home of the brave." When does the United States people, government and athletes look at those words, thru the correct lens? The US should be leading the world, in these events, not falling suit/not participating at all. Right?

I am not saying that the Olympic players should boycott, but make a statement with their uniforms, jump suits (during the opening ceremonies, being Maroon ’for the Tibetans’ with Red, White, & Blue Stripes), and using their mouths to speak up (to see if the Chinese will filter/surpress/or altogether censor, their words) after winning events, or any other time with the press.

What do you think about that?

Two "OFF LIMIT" Topics

FROM: TheThoughtSpigot
http://thethoughtspigot.com

Politics and religious topics are touchy subjects, for almost all people in America. People feel like they should not speak about the topics, for fear of being "politically incorrect" (no pun intended), they do not want to be labeled, and there is a litany of other reasons people have been pigeon holed, into not wanting to speak about these two topics. Politics, especially during an election cycle and possibly the most historic election in history, is a more expectable thing to speak of this year. However, religion is still an "off limits" topic.

Every religion has people that are on the fringes, giving the specific religion a bad name. Islam has been hijacked by groups like Al-Queada, "The New Black Panther Party" and others. Christianity has been linked with the "Pro-life Radicals," far right ideologues, and the money first and "word of faith teachers/pastors" (like Joel Olsteen, Benny Hinn, Ken Copeland, Rev. Jeremiah Wright, etc.). No matter what religion is looked at, there are always the past issues affiliated, with them. "The Crusades" (Christianity), "The 500 year war" (Islam), terrorism with Orthodox Jews, Muslims, and radical Christianity, are all things from the past. Although, it is a "touchy subject" dealing with present tensions, as well as, the fact people can usually not let go of past issues and strife. There is always the future, which brings opportunity, and opportunity brings all possibilities.

One can only hope, that thru the generations of today and tomorrow, religion will be a topic that can be not only spoken about, but can also begin to bridge the gap between people. Whether a person is a believer, an atheist, or an agnostic faith is a part of the human experience. Whether it is faith in people, faith in the hearts and minds of future generations, or actual faith in God, people must have some kind of faith, for the world to become whole again. The white supremacists in the upper northwest (in the United States), Al-Queada, Iranian K.U.D.S forces, and the countless other rogue and relentless forces around the world are striving to snuff out one thing across the globe, faith.

The last three blog entries, I have written, have not dealt with the usual politics, or sports, but rather choice and faith. I happen to be a Christian man. After living the first 25 years of my life playing baseball and basketball (thru college), working, dating, and being a "normal man," I was struck down and rendered disabled. Basically, home bound and left on my own for the last eleven years, I have found faith has sustained me. Faith in my God, faith in my family, and faith in the Christian values I hold dear are the things that get me by daily. However, in a world where there is few people speaking about religion, due to the "nonpolitically correct status," around in America, sometimes I need to see something that will bring me back to the present, in order to focus on what I have now.

I stumbled onto this picture and message. Sometimes a picture, or something else to trigger the mind, helps to bring a person back to what matters most in their lives. It shows them what is important, that the present is all that matters, and sometimes it shows the people that have come before us, to give us the chance to have faith in life, in people, and in the future. I hope this, no matter what political affiliation, religious persuasion, or wherever you are at in your life, it triggers something in you. Hopefully, it will bring you faith in something bigger, faith in anything, or will just enable you to have a reality break/check.

Peace,
DMAN-- TheThoughtSpigot.Com

(click on the picture to enlarge the script)

EAGLES, MORE THAN THE AMERICAN BIRD

An ornithologist is a person, who studies and maps the character traits of birds. A tidbit of knowledge, most people will not need to know in their lives, but one thing most people seem to be interested in, is flight. At some time in a person's life, they look up to the blue sky. They wish to soar through the crystal clear, blue sky, never looking down, and feeling the cool breeze brush across their cheeks. If for only just a moment, everyone could be a bird, for just a couple of minutes, leaving the rest of society on the ground below. Ornithologists, have discovered there are only three types of flight, in birds. There are birds who use (1) flapping, (2) gliding, and (3) soaring.

Most birds are "flappers." They are the birds, beating their hollow wing bones, as fast as they have to, in order to fly. It is a pretty self explanatory situation and description. The other set of birds, are birds who glide. They use a combination of wing beats and the wind to glide through the sky. They take off from a branch, the ground, or wherever, to a specified height. Once, they reach the height desired, they adjust the wings to glide along with the wind. However, they are bound by the wind yield, gravity, and a set of other features. These birds are more rare, than their counterpart birds, the "flappers," but are not the rarest of the birds of flight. The birds who soar, are the rarest and most complex birds, in the world. Eagles, are the best example of this kind of bird. The birds of soaring flight use the wind and jet stream to fly. The distinction of "soaring birds," compared to the rest of the bird kingdom, scientists agree, soaring birds have an almost blank mind, in mid flight. Only concentrating on the actual act of flight, using the jet stream to reach heights other birds can't, and they are able to do this thru training (from birth) and also thru an almost faith of the act learned from birth.

People are more like these three kinds of birds, then most care to realize. Some people are hammering away at life, like the "flappers" of aviation, never taking a break and just beating themselves to death, just to stay at mid flight, or where they feel is a safe altitude in life. Most of them, rarely take any chances, looking straight ahead. They do not stand for anything, becoming almost narcissistic in their plight to live, a "normal," yet non-confrontational life. They get up every morning to do the same mundane jobs, come home to watch the same television programs, and never have any real ideas and/or thoughts that will impact anyone, but themselves. There is a smaller group of people who are people are gliding, through life. They get just high enough to spread their wings, and impact a specific group of people. They have a direct agenda and it is to glide thru life, fulfilling the things that will benefit themselves, or a specific purpose. Most are either ideologues, leftists, and/or hypocrites, if they were to be analyzed. People who complain about the gas prices in the country, yet they glide thru life in SUV's and private planes. Maybe, they continue to preach of noble goals and things for others lives, but when put under the microscope, they are using their higher altitudes (over the common people, or "flappers") to manipulate systems, without having real answers. Continuing to look backwards, ensconce themselves with people of like minds and goals, but only to attain wealth, specific agendas, and keeping things in order, to benefit themselves and the other "gliders." Finally, the last group of people, and they only make up a minimal part of society. They are the people who are soaring. They do not have to think deeply on everyday topics, because the answers coming out of their mouth, is the truth. They know what truth is, as they are happy people, who others admire and see the fruits of their labor, and also their deeds put themselves behind the group. This type of person is found rarely, as they are soaring high above the fray, above the "flappers" and mundane, and most importantly are providing the checks on the "gliders"/elites/narcisistic people. However, they are not looking for the accolades, big salaries, and trivial things in this life, but rather are driven to soar above, by a deep and spiritual (whether religious, or not) soul. They espouse to rise above all of the things that truly do not matter, but dive deep into topics impacting the most of the people in the world.

In life, there are very few types of people. Most people (roughly 68-74% of people ages 16 to 45), in polls, do not believe there is an "absolute truth," allowing for a gray area where most people allow themselves to be held into, or some choose to live in. Most people, like the birds who are just building nests and flapping, or are gliding thru life, just enough to get what they need, do not think they can make any kind of a significant difference. Therefore, they go on self serving, no matter what the cost to the greater good. Another poll, proving this kind of thought, was taken by four different colleges, over the last six years. The people in the surveys, were asked if they thought that people could actually "change their lives, and/or thought." Between 75-83%, of those surveyed and polled, said that people would not change their thoughts, ways of life, and/or who they "essentially were." If this kind of thought process continues to keep on purveying, around the United States, the country will continue to move towards where the European Union is at, today. A country where people will feel as though, a few will always rule over the majority. This is far from where the United States "fathers" started, in making of the "Constitution," "The Bill of Rights," and even other things, as the civil rights movement, women's rights, and other significant changes in America. These things all started with a small group of people, soaring toward a common goal of change, for the betterment of society, as a whole. However, there are few people soaring at all. Instead, they continue to take the easy way out, focusing on themselves, never changing, or looking to change the people around them (the country), to suit themselves. There is a reason why the national bird is the eagle. The eagle is not just a symbol, but it is a beacon for every person in America, to realize they to can soar above and beyond. Every choice a person makes, is going to effect more than just the person making it. It is imperative, everyone looks toward the future, the choices to be made, and soar above the polarity, the constant banter of countless people serving themselves, and soaring over the partisanship, lying and deception of the people who want to step on whomever, to continue gliding into the same future.

The only person to stop this kind of mass hysteria, black hearted rhetoric, and obtrusive thinking is you. Soar above the rest of the "flappers" and "gliders" in the media, government, and in everyday life, who are holding you back. Only you can make a choice, to change and soar above the normal, or status quo.